Remarks.—English popular tradition is curiously at variance about the magpie's nidificatory powers, for another legend given by Mr. Swainson represents her as refusing to be instructed by the birds and that is why she does not make a good nest.
XXXVII. KATE CRACKERNUTS.
Source.—Given by Mr. Lang in Longman's Magazine, vol. xiv. and reprinted in Folk-Lore, Sept. 1890. It is very corrupt, both girls being called Kate, and I have had largely to rewrite.
Parallels.—There is a tale which is clearly a cousin if not a parent of this in Kennedy's Fictions, 54 seq., containing the visit to the green hill (for which see “Childe Rowland”), a reference to nuts, and even the sesame rhyme. The prince is here a corpse who becomes revivified; the same story is in Campbell No. 13. The jealous stepmother is “universally human.” (Cf. Köhler on Gonzenbach, ii. 206.)
XXXVIII. THE CAULD LAD OF HILTON.
Source.—Henderson's Folk-Lore of Northern Counties, 2nd edition, published by the Folk-Lore Society, pp. 266-7. I have written the introductory paragraph so as to convey some information about Brownies, Bogles, and Redcaps, for which Henderson, l.c., 246-53, is my authority. Mr. Batten's portrait renders this somewhat superfluous.
Parallels.—The Grimms' “Elves” (No. 39) behave in like manner on being rewarded for their services. Milton's “lubbar-fiend” in L'Allegro has all the characteristics of a Brownie.
XXXIX. ASS, TABLE AND STICK.
Source.—Henderson, l.c., first edition, pp. 327-9, by the Rev. S. Baring-Gould.
Parallels.—Mr. Baring-Gould gives another version from the East Riding, l.c., 329, in which there are three brothers who go through the adventures. He also refers to European Variants, p. 311, which could now be largely supplemented from Cosquin, i. 53-4, ii. 66, 171.